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U's opt against Ibehre appeal

Colchester have opted not to appeal Jabo Ibehre's sending-off in Tuesday's goalless draw at Hartlepool.

Last Updated: 07/03/13 3:03pm

Colchester have opted not to appeal Jabo Ibehre's sending-off in Tuesday's goalless draw at Hartlepool.

The striker saw red just before half-time following a challenge on defender Neil Austin, with boss Joe Dunne stressing post-match that he would be launching an immediate appeal against what he described as "a fair challenge".

But on further inspection of the rulebook Dunne has decided not to do so and Ibehre will now serve a three-match suspension, starting at home to Crewe this weekend.

"The wording in the description of what constitutes a red card makes it difficult for us to appeal it," Dunne told the club's official website.

"I honestly still feel it was a harsh decision as there was no intent to endanger the opposing player but there's nothing in the wording about intent.

"Should the appeal have been deemed frivolous, we could have seen Jabo out for four matches and I didn't want to risk that."